Jim Wiesemeyer

Jim Wiesemeyer is well known to Pro Farmer Members for his long tenure as Washington Bureau Chief for Pro Farmer. Now with agricultural consulting firm Informa Economics, formerly Sparks Companies, Inc., he is still offering his expertise and insight on farm policy, trade policy and Washington politics as a consultant to Pro Farmer. His Inside Washington Today column on AgWeb.com is a must-read item to keep up with the latest in Washington developments.

Latest Stories

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applaud as U.S. President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S, March 1, 2022. Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS

Ag Policy

With Midterm Elections Nearly in the Rearview, Leadership Roles Prepare to Change Hands

Pelosi is to step down as leader of the Democratic Party in the House, a position she has held since 2003. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he will remain in Congress but won’t seek a leadership position.

November 18, 2022 02:13 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

“We intend not to be back here between Christmas and New Year’s, and if we can’t meet that deadline, we would be happy to pass a short-term CR into early next year,” said McConnell.

Ag Policy

Impact of the Elections on Farm Bill 2023

The farm bill debate depends in part on who controls the House because leadership of the Ag Committee would see definite changes if the GOP wins.

November 16, 2022 09:04 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Railroad - Grain elevator - Lindsey Pound

Ag Policy

Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.

November 10, 2022 04:05 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ag Policy

Ballot Counts Continue as Some Republicans Suggest a Break From Trump

“I strongly believe Trump should no longer be the face of the Republican Party,” said former Representative Peter King of New York, a longtime Trump supporter.

November 10, 2022 04:02 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ag Policy

‘Red Wave’ of Voters Did Not Happen: Why Were Poll Predictions So Far Off the Mark?

What caused the polls to shift away from the predicted ‘red wave’ many had suggested? It comes down to multiple factors, including abortion, Trump and voter turnout.

November 09, 2022 05:51 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Industry

Florida’s Hurricane Ian Losses Total Over $1 Billion

Nikki Fried, Florida commissioner of ag, says the preliminary assessment is a “first step” in trying to get federal disaster aid for affected producers.

October 25, 2022 03:14 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ag Policy

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.

October 24, 2022 01:37 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ag Policy

USDA Requests Comments on Aid to Producers Discriminated in Farm Lending Programs

USDA seeks input on how to identify those who experienced discrimination and what kind of evidence should be submitted to back up the claims.

October 17, 2022 09:09 AM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Ag Policy

Farm Bureau Seeks ‘Unified’ Farm Bill of Ag and Nutrition Aid

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its general new farm bill recommendations on Thursday. First on the AFBF’s list: “protect farm bill program spending.”

October 14, 2022 02:35 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who filed suit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, likened the situation to the loss of assistance to Black farmers after the Civil War.

Ag Policy

Minority Farmers Sue Over Repeal of the Debt Relief Program

The Virginia farmers filing the suit allege repeal of the debt relief effort is a breach of contract by the government, arguing some farmers made financial plans based on the expectation of getting debt relief.

October 13, 2022 01:28 PM

Jim Wiesemeyer